Community

Order Sons of Italy in America Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin 90th Annual Columbus Banquet

The Grand Lodge of Illinois/Wisconsin, Order Sons of Italy in America, celebrated its 90th annual Columbus Banquet on Oct. 11 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. Anna DeLuca, Columbus Banquet Chairwoman, welcomed the guests and introduced the Master of Ceremony for the evening, the Honorable Anthony Calderone, Mayor of Forest Park. Highlighting the evening were the presentations of the 2014 Humanitarian Award and the first-ever Columbus Patriot Award. In addition, the Illinois Sons of Italy Foundation awarded nine scholarships to Italian-American students who are continuing their education. Receiving the Humanitarian Award was Giovanni Bucci, an Italian-American artist best known for …

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Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization
2015 Friday Night Fights

by Mary Racila The Chicagoland Italian American Charitable Organization’s 3rd Friday Night Fights is more than your typical fundraiser or brawler’s ball. An absolute must for boxing fans, it also raises crucial funds for a variety of worthy causes. Featuring at least seven boom-boom amateur bouts, Friday Night Fights will rock Medinah Hall in Addison on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the first bell rings about 7 p.m. The promoter for this heart-pounding evening, Hitz Boxing, will bring together top young talent, experienced judges and referees, and of course a bevy of lovely ring girls. …

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Elevator expert Robert Capuani

Growing up the son of Italian immigrant parents in the Taylor Street area, Robert Capuani learned a lesson that prepared him for a lifetime of success: “My father always told me, ‘No one’s going to give you anything for nothing,” and that you’ve got to work hard to set and achieve every goal.” As director of the Elevator Safety Division for the Illinois fire marshal, you could say Capuani has taken a steady ride to the top floor of his profession. He started the state’s program in 2006 and today, “We’re responsible for 34,000 elevators in the whole state outside …

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Rep. DeLuca visits local high school

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca recently visited Rich Township High School in Olympia Fields, meeting with students, teachers and administrators involved in technology-based alternative-learning programs. In addition to learning about the unique classes offered by District 227, DeLuca encouraged students to continue pursuing technology-related careers and answered questions about state issues. “Encouraging student success is one of my highest priorities as a State Representative,” DeLuca said. “I really enjoyed getting to see firsthand the amazing things happening at Rich Township High School and was truly impressed by the knowledge and sophistication of the students.”

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Theater scion Drew DeSantis

From a young age, Drew DeSantis, (grandson of the late Anthony DeSantis, founder of Drury Lane dinner theatre) recalls helping his grandfather update the Rolodex, clean banquet chairs and peel carrots in the theater kitchen. It was good, honest work that prepared him to follow the family dream, and prepare it for a robust future. Having recently graduating from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business with a masters degree, DeSantis serves as the CFO of Drury Lane, where he’s helped produce more than 41 productions. It’s still a family affair; his brother Kyle is Drury Lane’s CEO. And …

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Casa Italia to honor Super Lawyer Louis C. Cairo

The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia is proud to honor local legal titan Louis C. Cairo as Man of the Year at its 45th annual dinner dance. The event will take place on April 11 at Alta Villa Banquets in Addison. Louis is a senior partner at the GWC Law Firm: Chicago’s largest personal injury and workers’ compensation firm. Growing up as the son of an Italian immigrant who owned a union construction company in Northern Illinois, Louis acquired considerable experience with and respect for the men and women working in the construction industry. His close family upbringing has …

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Medal of Honor shines at veterans museum

The Italian American Veterans Museum took a quantum leap forward on Sept. 28, celebrating its grand reopening with the dedication of a new exhibit celebrating Italian-American Medal of Honor recipients. State Senator Don Harmon and Stone Park Mayor Ben Mazzulla were among the dignitaries who took part in the noon dedication ceremony, which was attended by nearly 200 well-wishers, including more than four dozen veterans. The United States Navy Band from the Great Lakes Naval Station and the Marine Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment from Foster Avenue in Chicago graced the event with their presence. Joe and …

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Flowers of Italy to honor Nicotera

The Flowers of Italy Club will honor a longstanding pillar of the community as their 2015 Man of the Year. Sonny Nicotera will take center stage when the venerable Melrose Park-based organization celebrates its 54th annual dinner dance on March 28 at Villa Brunetti in Franklin Park. Born in Cicero, Nicotera moved with his family to Melrose Park as a teen to the house that he still calls home. He was a manager of the Dining Car Services for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad until his retirement 12 years ago. A longtime member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel …

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D’Amico backs relief for minor traffic offenses

State Rep. John D’Amico is highlighting a new law that went into effect aimed at easing the burden on drivers stopped for minor traffic offenses. “We need smart laws that hold drivers accountable, but also ones that recognize common-sense realities,” D’Amico said. “This legislation prevents motorists from being unnecessarily burdened while maintaining the safety of our roadways.” Senate Bill 2583 allows drivers to retain their licenses after being cited for minor traffic violations, including speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, driving without insurance, improper lane change and disobeying a traffic control device. By reinstating the ‘Sign and Drive’ law in Illinois, …

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All in the family

Now here’s something you don’t see everyday. When the Stevenson High Patriots squared off against the Glenbard West Hilltoppers in late November, four grandnephews of DuPage County businessman Jerry Marchese took part in the match. Marchese’s nephew, John, contributed three sons to the competition, with elder brother Jimmy suiting up as strong side linebacker and twin brothers Michael and Henry serving as wide receivers and on special teams. On the Glenbard West side of the ball was Matteo DiMarco, son of Marchese’s daughter Jacqui. The Patriots went on to win the Illinois class 8A state championship in a thrilling, down …

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